Malawi is a small and landlocked country with diverse game parks, busy cities, varying geography, and a magnificent lake that delivers a punch no matter when you arrive, but when is the best time to visit Malawi for a safari?
The massive Lake Malawi, with its beaches and water-based activities, is Malawi’s biggest tourist destination. Safaris are also available in the country. The lovely Liwonde National Park includes a winding river that is great for boat rides and sighting several elephants. An excellent Big Five destination in Malawi is Majete Wildlife Reserve.
Here’s our guide to the best time to visit Malawi for a safari.
Wildlife: Best time to visit Malawi for a safari
The best time to visit Malawi for a safari to spot wildlife is probably between June and August when the weather is mild and the countryside offers lush green views. The months of April and May are when the land starts drying up, with a lot more sunshine on offer and better temperatures. This is the best time to spot wildlife emerging throughout Liwonde National Park.
For anyone visiting Malawi in June, the days are long and sunny. However, temperatures do dip in the evenings and early mornings. This is an excellent time of year to visit Liwonde National Park for a safari. Liwonde is well-known for providing excellent views of crocodiles, hippos, and elephants. In July, the cooler weather continues, with little rain, bright skies, and few mosquitos. Despite the fact that it is peak safari season, the parks are not overcrowded. An early game drive can be quite cold until things warm up, so dress warmly.
Birding: Best time to visit Malawi for a safari
The best time to visit Malawi for a safari to spot birds is between October and April.
Many African countries claim to be the top birdwatcher’s paradise, but Malawi offers impressive birding for avid twitchers. Approximately 650 distinct species have been identified, with 10% of them being found nowhere else in southern Africa.
Lake Malawi is a haven for typical waterbirds like kingfishers, cormorants, and egrets, and fish eagles, with two-meter wingspan, are never far away. Birders are more interested in the high-mountain plateaus of Nyika and Viphya, as well as the Dzalanyama forests. Liwonde is home to popular country specialities such as Böhm’s bee-eater and Pel’s fishing owl. From October through April, migratory birds are present.
Best time to visit Majete Wildlife Reserve
The Majete Wildlife Reserve is an excellent choice for people wishing to see wildlife in Malawi. Majete Wildlife Reserve has become one of the most popular wildlife sites in the country due to its remarkable rehabilitation and repopulation work. The reserve’s restoration is ongoing, and the Big Five may currently be seen here.
Although Majete is open all year, the weather varies greatly depending on the season. The rainy season, which lasts from November to March, is when Malawi receives the majority of its seasonal rains. The weather is hot and humid, with dense, lush vegetation. The dry season, on the other hand, lasts from April to October, when the bush becomes steadily less green and temperatures range from mild to quite hot. From June to October, rain is unlikely.
